Here in Ecuador the situation is not that much better. People get caught stealing, with illegal weapons, and because the person does not put himself/herself down as the one making the legal action against the perp, they get released.
But I understand why people don't go to court over this here. I mean, Imagine. A guy just threatened you with a gun, took your money, your phone. He's in jail now. If you don't show up and make the motion to process him legally, he will be released, even if he hurt you. But, if you show up, he will clearly know who it was, tell his gang members, and they will probably kill you for messing with their business.
The police here have no teeth, the courts have no teeth... if your house gets broken into, best take care of it yourself and bury the evidence well.
Yes you take care of it yourself. I have always joked I need a big garden. When we were in the UK our house was broken into and I think I disturbed them when we returned home. I had my kids in my arms at the time which is what saved them when they ran past. When the police arrived they wanted to know why I had a baseball bat by the door and that I must not take the law into my own hands. I stayed awake for two days leaving the back door slightly a jar hoping they would return. If you break the right leg and left arm they are immobilized.